A.G. Barr has appointed Darren Shapland as its new independent non-executive director and chair of the board, bringing four decades of retail, consumer and financial experience to the drinks business.
Shapland took up the role from 1 September, succeeding Susan Barratt, who has served as interim chair since January following the departure of Mark Allen.
The appointment comes as A.G. Barr continues to build its portfolio of brands including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Boost.
Shapland currently serves as non-executive chair of Hollywood Bowl Group and as an independent non-executive director at JD Sports Fashion.
His previous public company board positions include chair of Topps Tiles and Poundland, as well as Non-executive director and audit committee chair at Ladbrokes and Ferguson.
During his executive career, Shapland was chief executive of Carpetright and previously held chief financial officer roles at J Sainsbury, Carpetright and Superdrug. He also held senior finance and operational leadership positions at Burton Group.
As chair, Shapland will also chair A.G. Barr’s nomination committee and serve on its remuneration and ESG committees.
Barratt will step down as interim chair and resume her role as senior independent director. Louise Smalley, who has been interim senior independent director since January, will continue on the board as an independent non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee.
'Ideal choice' to guide next chapter
Barratt said Shapland’s experience across the UK retail and consumer sectors made him the “ideal choice” to lead the board.
“His incredible depth of experience across the UK retail and consumer landscape, combined with an exemplary record of public company governance, makes him the ideal choice to guide our board through the next chapter of the company's strategic growth,” she said.
A.G. Barr chief executive Euan Sutherland thanked Barratt for her “exceptionally steady leadership” during her time as interim chair.
He said Shapland’s consumer, commercial and financial expertise would be valuable as the company seeks to drive long-term shareholder value, build brand momentum and execute its growth strategy.
Shapland said A.G. Barr had a “truly unique heritage, powerful brands, and a highly robust financial foundation”.
“I am delighted to be taking over as chair at such a pivotal time in the company's journey,” he said.
“I look forward to working with Euan and Susan, and the rest of the Board and executive leadership team to support the business in achieving its long-term strategic objectives.”